We have made it to the last week of the season! Having 2 weeks off during the summer has made this season go quickly for me. The end of each season is always bittersweet as I miss the regular interaction with share members and the fresh vegetables but I look forward to focusing my time on our kids, the neglected house tasks, and other personal interests.

For those that like to reserve their 2019 vegetable shares now while it is fresh in your mind, please complete this form. I sent an email to all share members a few days ago outlining all the options for next season. For those that didn't see the email, you can view it here. Similar to last year we are going to take some weeks off over the course of the season. We will also be starting the season a little earlier and doing a bi-weekly delivery during the fall season.

Thank-you to everyone that completed the share member survey. I am grateful to receive such positive comments - appreciation always makes the job more fun! The two consistent pieces of feedback we received was that members would love to start the season a little earlier and receive more spinach. Luckily, those two requests go hand-in-hand so we are going to start a week earlier to allow for more weeks of spinach. I also enjoy reading everyone's favourite and least favourite vegetables. Comically, the lists tend to be pretty similar as one person's favourite vegetable is another's least favourite. There are a few that stand out, though. Spinach, carrots, lettuce, cucumber, peppers and tomatoes make in on the favourite list but never on the least favourite. And kohlrabi, eggplant, and celery often make it on the least favourite list. Vegetables like arugula, spaghetti squash, and kale are pretty evenly distributed between people loving or hating them.

These differences in preferences are the primary reasons I have both a trade-in bin and choice items. It would be impossible to create a share that meets everyone's preferences perfectly so these options allow for some customization. Based on people's responses there are a few changes I intend to make:- ground cherries, fennel, and celery as trade-in items only- offer a choice between collards, kale, and chard most weeks so that everyone's greens preferences can be met- reduce frequency of eggplant (but still offer regularly in trade-in bin for those that love it)- offer spaghetti squash as a choice between other squash or vegetables but not on it's ownOf course, what is offered is also based on the vagaries of nature, my skills (or lack thereof), and other such variables.

You will be receiving more kale again this week as I strip the remaining leaves off the plants. Kale is a staple in our house as I throw it in just about all soups, stews, and smoothies. We also love kale lightly sauteed with some onions, garlic, soy sauce, and maybe a dash of honey. This makes a nice green side dish when it feels too cold for salad. Kale can also make a nice salad as long as you chop it finely and massage thoroughly with your hands. This helps to break down the cell walls and make it less tough. For those that don't love the texture of kale, you can also blend it into spaghetti squash or broccoli soup and you will hardly know it's there. Here are some other ways to use kale: